Egypt will reinstate its embargo on frozen meat imports from Europe but will lift the ban on live cattle and beef imports by April 2002, Minister of Agriculture Yousef Walli announced on Saturday, October 20, Al-Hayat reported. Walli added that all meat and cattle imports from countries that have been affected by Anthrax will be carefully inspected as well.

The embargo was triggered by incidents of Mad Cow Disease in Europe. Egypt instead plans to import meat from the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, India and Sudan.

According to European economic analysts, beef exports are forecast to rebound from low 2001 volumes by 25 percent in 2002, as Egypt and other countries reopen their borders to meat exports.

In August, Egypt banned the import of live animals and meat products from Malaysia and Turkey over fears of foot-and-mouth disease, reported the Middle East Times. The ban will continue until World Animal Health Organization reports show the two countries are free of the disease, Egyptian officials said. — (Mena Report)